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Body weight

Since the 1980s there has been a steady increase in the number of Australians who are classed as overweight or obese. At least 63% of adults and 23% of children are now considered overweight or obese.

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing certain types of cancer, including common forms such as bowel and (post-menopausal) breast cancer, as well as cancers of the endometrium, kidney and oesophagus. Three per cent of cancer deaths are attributed to having a Body Mass Index over 25.

The Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a measurement used to assess people’s body weight – a score over 25 is classed as overweight and a score over 30 is obese.